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 CITY MANAGER David Howell has swooped to sign three new players who will come straight into the squad for Saturday’s Evo-Stik Premier home game against Evesham United.From Queen’s Park Rangers comes right back Michael Harriman (pictured) – who is in the Premier League club’s first team squad of 25 - while left back Nathan Ralph returns from Championship club Peterborough United. Both are on initial one-month loans. Central midfield player Chris O’Leary arrives from Wealdstone, where he was a team-mate of recently signed Saints defender James Gray, on a longer term arrangement. “The three are what we need at the moment, in the areas we need them,” said Howell. “They are bringing us a mixture of youth and experience, quality and character.” Harriman, a 19-year-old Irishman, has already appeared in the Premier League for QPR this season, making a substitute appearance at Wigan. “We have been lucky to get him,” said Howell. “I am grateful to Neil Warnock for agreeing to him coming here.” Ralph, 18, impressed in a spell at Clarence Park early in the season and will be welcomed back by Saints’ supporters. To illustrate his standing at Peterborough, he was recalled by Posh boss Darren Ferguson as first-team cover, the same reason that another Saints loanee, Kosi Ntlhe, returned to London Road last week. “Nathan showed that he is more than good enough for this level and I am looking for him to repeat his performances of when he was with us before,” added Howell. The 26-year-old O’Leary, meanwhile – a former Player of the Season at Ryman League Wealdstone - will bring experience and a physical presence to Saints. “He is someone who rolls up his sleeves and battles, which is what we want right now,” said Howell. The City boss will this week continue his quest to restructure his squad in his attempt to get the side back on track for a play-off push and more new faces are expected soon, along with some departures. Utility player Nathan Haisley has left the club this week. “I would like to thank him for his services,” said Howell. “I am well aware of what we need to do to turn things around, both in terms of new personnel and in instilling different attitudes into the team,” added the manager. “The lads who have come on loan are here to give us breathing space while we release certain players and recruit more ready for the busy Christmas and New Year period and a move up the table.” |
